The first game released for the original PlayStation (PS1) was Ridge Racer (Namco).
Launch Details
Japan Launch: December 3, 1994. Launch titles: Ridge Racer, Mahjong Gakuensai, Crime Crackers, A. IV Evolution, Kileak: The DNA Imperative.
North America Launch: September 9, 1995. Launch titles (17): Ridge Racer, Battle Arena Toshinden, ESPN Extreme Games, Kileak, NBA JAM TE, Rayman, Street Fighter: The Movie, Total Eclipse Turbo, Twisted Metal, Warhawk, Wipeout.
Europe Launch: September 29, 1995. Similar lineup + Destruction Derby, Formula 1.
Why Ridge Racer?
Namco System 22 arcade port (1993). Showcased PS1's **3D polygon + Gouraud shading + texture mapping** prowess.
Ran at **60 FPS**, 320×240, with smooth scaling — impossible on 16-bit consoles.
Became synonymous with PS1 launch identity (like Mario 64 for N64, Halo for Xbox).
Note: Ridge Racer used a **CD-ROM** — the PS1's medium — enabling 300+ MB vs cartridge 8–64 MB. FMV intro was a spectacle.
